Artist Julie Komenda will demonstrate batik techniques from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave. Batik is a wax-resistant form of imaging on fabric, an ancient art form that Komenda learned more than 30 years ago as a student in Miami. She uses a variety of acrylic inks, iridescent mediums, gouaches and recycled handmade papers to create her works. Subjects include sports, still lifes, landscapes and portraits. The free demonstration is the last in a four-part series conducted as part of the City Hall Art Gallery's 10th anniversary celebration. For information, call 544-5407.

Club gives overview of office software

The Hernando Computer Club will host a presentation on Open Office at 7 p.m. Monday at the Hernando County Shrine Club, 13400 Montour St., off Sunshine Grove Road. Open Office is a free alternative software to MS Office. The package of programs includes almost identical alternatives to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. The instructor will be Joann Fruchione, who will give an overview of the programs. Visitors are welcome. For information, visit the Web site at www.hcc.org or call 592-0070.

COUNTYWIDE

United Way needs disaster-time help

The United Way of Hernando County needs volunteers for its Volunteer Hernando program and to staff the United Way's volunteer reception center, which provides assistance to those in need when a disaster strikes Hernando County. A discussion group for those interested in volunteering will be from 10 a.m. to noon July 9 at Capital City Bank, 14302 Spring Hill Drive. Representatives from Hernando County Emergency Management and GPI Southeast Inc. will attend. Light refreshments will be served. Those interested are asked to RSVP to the United Way at 688-2026 or uway@tampabay.rr.com.

SPRING HILL

Groundcover class says phooey on grass

The Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service will host a free class, "Groundcover Alternatives to Turf," at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the satellite office in the Forest Oaks Government Center, 7479 Forest Oaks Blvd. The class is for those who are tired of fighting with grass that won't grow or requires excessive irrigation and weed control. There is no cost to attend, but seating will be limited. For information, call 754-4433.